10 things we learned about the Saints in season opener

You can’t overreact after one game. But the New Orleans Saints had serious issues in trying to stop the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a stunning 48-40 loss Sunday (Sept. 9) at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. They failed to record a sack or force a turnover, had more personal foul penalties (four) than pass break-ups (three) or quarterback hits (two) and allowed six plays of 34 yards or more. And this was to a Bucs team led by backup quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, not exactly the Greatest Show on Turf. The issues were widespread from the tepid pass rush to the shaky technique on the perimeter. Dennis Allen and his staff have plenty to review in film study Monday.

Four months shy of his 40th birthday, the Saints veteran quarterback played one of the best games of his Hall of Fame career, completing 37 of 45 passes for 439 yards and three touchdowns. He singlehandedly kept the Saints in the shootout and valiantly rallied them back into contention in the fourth quarter. Considering the circumstances, Brees played as well as can be expected and showed the speculation about his successor remains a moot point.

3. Third down remains a problem

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) runs for a first down to keep the Saints from getting the ball back late during the first regular season game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, La. Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018. (Photo by David Grunfeld, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune)

3. Third down remains a problem

The Buccaneers owned third down. They converted 9 of 13 third downs on offense and held the Saints to just two of seven conversions after they started 2 for 2. This was a point of emphasis throughout the offseason after the Saints ranked 19th offensively and 27th defensively in third-down conversion rate. The Saints have more work to do in this area.

4. Ken Crawley, Marshon Lattimore had long days

David Grunfeld, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune

4. Ken Crawley, Marshon Lattimore had long days

Dennis Allen calls an aggressive defense. He likes to get after the quarterback and leave his corners on an island with wide receivers outside. To succeed, his defense needs corners that can hold up in man-to-man coverage. Lattimore and Crawley have shown to be sticky cover corners but both were repeatedly burned for big plays by Tampa wideouts Mike Evans and DeSean Jackson. By my count, Crawley surrendered six catches for 114 yards and two touchdowns while Lattimore was victimized by Evans for four catches for 115 yards and a touchdown.